As food prices rise, Mamdani wants public grocery stores in New York. Can it work?

Experts say there's plenty of precedent both in the US and abroad for state-supported food infrastructure

When Zohran Mamdani sailed to a surprising but decisive victory in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary last month, he did so propelled by a platform laser-focused on making the country's largest city more affordable for working people. Among his proposed policies for achieving that vision - which include free childcare and a rent freeze for tenants - is the proposal to create a network of city-owned grocery stores focused on keeping food prices low rather than on making a profit.

Without having to pay rent or property taxes, they will reduce overhead and pass on savings to shoppers," Mamdani said on his website. They will buy and sell at wholesale prices, centralize warehousing and distribution, and partner with local neighborhoods on products and sourcing."